2016 Rewind

Thursday, December 29, 2016 10 a.m.

2016 BROUGHT NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT, OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT AND UNITING COMMUNITY SPIRIT

In a year rocked by terrorism, the murders of police officers around the country and increasing tensions that threaten to disrupt the quality of life in the country, the Cocoa Police Department maintained its professional and dedicated delivery of public safety services to more than 18,000 residents. During the calendar year (as of December 22nd) the men and women of the department responded to 45,995 calls for service. Of these calls more than 9,000 involved a call made to 9-1-1. Officers also responded to more than 5,000 reports of suspicious activity and more than 3,000 disturbances. Of note are the more than 23,000 officer initiated patrol checks through local neighborhoods and commercial areas. The patrol checks are designed to promote high visibility police presence and serve as a strong crime prevention and public safety strategy.

Among the most noteworthy highlights from the year was the high profile rescue of a toddler trapped underneath a capsized boat in the Indian River. The dramatic rescue caught the attention of media from around the world and was prominently featured on most every national news network. The year was also marked by an outpouring of support for law enforcement in the wake of the killing of five police officers in Dallas, Texas. The citizens of Cocoa and throughout Brevard County rallied to show support for local law enforcement through random acts of kindness, sending cards, letters and more. Hurricane Matthew impacted all of Central Florida during the month of October. With more than 1500 properties throughout the county sustaining some type of damage, the costs of recovery topped more than $75 million countywide.

Department personnel continued its dedication to community outreach. The chief along with the city manager and other city leaders hosted the first in a series of roundtable discussions with local faith leaders. The effort is a new partnership designed to increase the impact of outreach efforts with a unified approach among government, educators, civic groups and faith leaders. The Community Resource Unit continued to promote positive relationships with local youth through the Police Athletic League and through targeted efforts at local schools. In 2016 the department, in partnership with Walt Disney World, hosted 30 children on a day trip to the theme park.

The Cocoa Police Department currently has 66 full time sworn officers, 2 part time booking officers, 4 reserve officers, 1 auxiliary officer and 22 civilians. The 2016 approved operating budget was $10,420,137.00.